They’re in a League of their own: London clubs assessed

August has only just arrived but the marathon that is the Football League kicks off tonight. Here, Giuseppe Muro assesses the prospects for London’s clubs.

Q In the last decade just three eams who finished bottom of the Premier League went straight back up the next season — West Ham last year, West Brom in 2010 and Sunderland three years earlier. Will Queens Park Rangers follow that trio?

No. Harry Redknapp’s squad are not ready for the challenge of promotion and despite signings such as Richard Dunne (left) it will be difficult to complete the rebuilding process before the transfer window closes.

Q In the same period only three teams who lost in the Championship Play-Off Final won promotion next time. Will Watford emulate Reading (2012), West Brom (2008) and West Ham (2005)?

Yes. Watford never expected to challenge for promotion last season and Gianfranco Zola targeted this year to return to the Premier League. New loan restrictions have not stopped a host of quality arrivals at Vicarage Road.

Q Kenny Jackett achieved much at Millwall in his six years there. Can Steve Lomas build on that?

Yes. Lomas, who guided St Johnstone to third in the SPL last season, was not a popular appointment but is slowly winning over the fans and will prove himself in England.

Q Charlton finished ninth last term. Are they good enough to win promotion this time?

No. Chris Powell knows reaching the play-offs will be tougher this season with the number of teams spending big in the Championship. Consolidation is the aim.

Q Should any of London’s quartet of Championship clubs be worried about relegation?

No. Millwall survived on the final day and Charlton were always looking over their shoulder last season despite their top-half finish but, with Yeovil, Bournemouth and Barnsley all likely to struggle, both should have enough to steer clear of the relegation scrap this season.

Q Brentford, like Watford, were a spot-kick away from going up last season. Will they go one better this time?

Yes. Despite losing Simon Moore and Harry Forrester, Uwe Rosler has strengthened this summer and Brentford should challenge Wolves for the League One title.

Q Leyton Orient made a late charge but missed out on the play-offs by three points. Will they make it this time?

Yes. Play-offs. Russell Slade targeted a serious promotion challenge after signing a new contract this summer and, if his small squad can stay injury-free, they will be pushing for a top-six finish in what promises to be a tough division again, containing some big-name clubs.

Q AFC Wimbledon and Dagenham and Redbridge stayed up on the final day of last season. Will avoiding the drop again be the main objective for our clubs in League Two?

Yes. The bookmakers have Dagenham as second favourites to go down and both teams look set for another difficult season. Accrington and Morecambe will struggle.